Three Lions centre-back John Terry has insisted that he is ready to lead England versus Sweden on Tuesday, despite the police investigation into Terry’s alleged racist remarks towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
“I’m in a great state of mind, completely focused on playing well, and on training,” the Chelsea FC skipper said at a press conference.
“So from my side of things nothing has changed at all. I’m participating in training and delighted to be captaining the side again, leading the team out.
“When we warmed up [prior to kick-off against Spain] I got a good reaction, and I clapped them, and I got a good reception back. So obviously I’m delighted with that, being captain of the side, and was very pleased walking away from that.”
Terry also added that England can build on a few things from their 1-0 victory over World Champions Spain last Saturday.
“I think the players showed that once again, together, we are united no matter what, and put in a really good performance,” Terry said.
“As I said, [there were] some real positives from the game. I thought it was a great performance, taking a step back and sitting there watching. How well the players played, defended and attacked as well was incredible. I’m delighted with the mixture of younger players coming in and doing so well also.
“It’s a positive thing that we beat Spain, the world champions, but I think the manager stressed also that we need to continue that, making sure we get the right result again, and keep this momentum until the Euros now.”
The skipper also hailed the potential of Jack Rodwell and Danny Welbeck, and rightfully so.
Rodwell has been a regular for Everton the past season-and-a-half, while Welbeck has impressed in 2011 at Manchester United after rejoining the club following a successful loan spell with Sunderland last season.
The future is bright for both Three Lions prospects.
“We’ve always spoken about that as important, the mixture of players as well, so it’s really encouraging that younger players are coming in and establishing themselves, and making a real impact on the squad – obviously with young Jack [Rodwell] coming on and making his debut, and Kyle [Walker],” added Terry.
“I thought Danny Welbeck was excellent when he came on and held it up as well, so there were some real positives to take away from the game.
“And the manager is delighted. Certainly from a squad point of view and from a players’ point of view, we won’t be resting on that. We want to keep improving, and we’ve got a chance to do this against Sweden.”
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